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It seems that summer is at the end of the bridge slowly concluding, welcoming the autumn and letting way for winter. And, to squeeze in every last bit of the season, hiking with your furry pal is the best option. It seems that with all that fun there comes certain responsibilities that you need to be well aware of for making the hiking experience safe for your four-legged companion.

Unpack the top ten tips for safe and pleasurable hiking for you and your pooch.

Dog Health
Before planning for hiking adventure, ensure that your pooch is healthy with no chronic or acute ailments. Hiking is a lot about strenuous work, and if your pooch is overweight or semi-active, it would not work for both of you.

Hiking Location

Check with the agent or the state department about the location you are planning to go, whether it is open for hiking with pets or not. Find details about the terrain and how well it si suitable for your dog. Some locations are restricted and may be not suitable for your furry pals.

Dog Training

It is always recommended to train your dog before starting a hiking program. Short training hikes can be of more use apart from fun for your pooch. It makes hiking adventure more easy and enjoyable for you as well as your furry friend.

Voice Commands

To avoid any unwanted situations and ensure safety in emergencies, it is always good to train your dog for voice commands. Your dog should reliably respond to voice commands.

Vet Checkup

Before setting on the trail, it is always good to consult your vet. Your veterinarian will thoroughly checkup your dog for any health conditions. He may recommend any medications or preventives to ensure total wellbeing of your pal during hiking.

Dog’s First-Aid Kit

Hiking is all about hitting the trail hard with walking, running, falling, going up and down and enjoying the scenery. It sometimes come with little bruising, cuts and wounds. And, to treat this on the way, keeping dog’s first-aid kit is all what you need.

Dog’s Backpack

In case your dog is going to carry a backpack, make sure that it fits him properly. Don’t tighten the straps of the bag too tight as this will create problem in breathing. On the other hand, if the straps are too loose then it would slip off or may hinder your dog’s walking.

Dog Hiking Accessories

Sometimes, your pooch may become exited and may run off the trail. To keep a check on him, don’t forget to have a leash and collar. If possible, get a reflective collar so that you can locate your dog at night. In case, if you’re hiking during hunting season or after dark, it is advisable to have fluorescent reflective vest.

Dog Food / Trail Treats

Hiking is quite exhaustible and requires lot of calories to remain energetic. Pack good amount of dog food as your dog would consume more food than normal. Bringing in trail treats is important as these would provide quick energy. Special treats made for dogs usually provide vital nutrients and extra energy boost than the normal snacks.

Parasitic Preventives

Parasites are omnipresent and hiking trails have more of them. Dogs on hiking can be more prone to flea and tick infestations if they have not been protected with preventives. Before setting on the trail, don’t forget to treat your canine with effective flea and tick treatments – frontline plus, nexgard, advantage, and revolution are some of them to pick from. Also carry parasitic repellant with you, this will repel pests shunning scratching and itching on your furry pal.